Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has approved an additional N148.762 million monthly subventiofor Gombe State University to support the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance from October 2026.
The approval comes amid demands by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Gombe State University chapter, for the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement and the payment of outstanding staff entitlements.
Here are key things to know about the funding increase:
1. The university’s monthly funding will increase
The additional N148.762 million represents a 56 per cent increase in the university’s monthly subvention.
The funding is expected to help the institution make adequate budgetary provisions for the implementation of the enhanced salary structure known as the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance.
2. Outstanding CATA arrears will be addressed
Governor Yahaya has directed the university management to immediately commence processes for the payment of outstanding CATA arrears.
This is expected to address part of the financial obligations owed to affected academic staff.
3. Other staff entitlements may be paid gradually
The governor also directed the university to explore internal measures towards settling other outstanding obligations.
These include arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage awards, minimum wage and Earned Academic Allowances.
The government said the obligations would be addressed in phases, taking the university’s financial position into consideration.
4. The 2026 supplementary budget will accommodate the funding
The additional subvention is expected to be reflected in the state’s 2026 supplementary budget, which the State House of Assembly is expected to consider in September.
This will provide the budgetary framework for the increased funding.
5. Gombe is establishing an Education Trust Fund
The state government also disclosed that the Gombe State House of Assembly had passed legislation establishing the Gombe State Education Trust Fund, with operations expected to begin in October 2026.
The fund is intended to provide a more sustainable financing framework for education, particularly Gombe State University and other state-owned tertiary institutions.
6. It could help ease the ASUU-government dispute
The development comes while the Gombe State University ASUU branch has an outstanding 14-week ultimatum to the state government.
The additional funding and proposed payment of outstanding entitlements could help address some of the concerns behind the dispute and support efforts to maintain industrial harmony.
The state government has urged ASUU and other stakeholders to consider the measures already announced and support efforts to ensure the continued stability and development of Gombe State Universit
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